Santubong: Archaeological discoveries at Sungai Jaong, Bongkissam, and Bukit Maras in the Santubong area provide evidence that civilisation in Sarawak developed much earlier than previously believed, said Women, Family and Community Development Minister Datuk Seri Nancy Shukri. She highlighted that Gunung Santubong is not merely a geographical landmark but a symbol of an ancient international trading hub, advanced metallurgical skills, and an extensive maritime network dating back to the 7th century AD.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Nancy emphasized that while other regions were just discovering fire, trading vessels from China, Siam, and Vietnam were already docking at Santubong to trade. She noted that the ancestors in this region were skilled in ironworking, pottery, and engaging in trade with the outside world. This information was shared during her speech at the Santubong Heritage Seminar: Exploring Knowledge and Traces of Civilisation at CENTEXS Santubong.

Nancy, who is also the Member of Parliament for Santubong, suggested that the area has the potential to be recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its unique historical and archaeological significance. She proposed four key strategies to achieve this: local community education, youth engagement, multi-party cooperation, and sustainable development. She pointed out that preserving heritage offers wide benefits, including economic opportunities for local residents through heritage tourism, which can support tour guides, homestays, handicrafts, and community businesses. Moreover, it fosters pride in identity and cultural roots and provides educational value for future generations.

According to a statement from the National Archives of Malaysia, Sarawak branch, the seminar was organised in collaboration with the Sarawak Museum Department. It serves not only as a platform to share knowledge and research findings but also as a strategy for heritage conservation and promoting the Santubong heritage site to the public. Participants of the seminar will have the opportunity to visit the Santubong Archaeological Park to view the site and the archaeological galleries of Sungai Jaong, Bangkissam-Bukit Maras, the Wallace Centre, and the Crocodile Stone within the park.